The Kiona-Benton varsity basketball team (Benton City, WA) will be playing a home conference game against Royal (Royal City, WA) today at 5:15 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Royal vs Kiona-Benton
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 5:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Royal vs Kiona-Benton

The stage is set for an exciting matchup between two Washington high school basketball teams with very different fortunes this season. Royal, the undefeated powerhouse, is set to visit Kiona-Benton in a crucial conference game this evening at 5:15 PM. Despite both teams competing in the same district, their paths have taken strikingly different directions in the 2024-25 season.

Royal’s Dominance

With a perfect 12-0 overall record, Royal has been nothing short of spectacular. The team is on fire, having won all six of their district games, including a flawless 5-0 record at home. They are undefeated across all games, showcasing exceptional scoring power and a staunch defense that has led them to an impressive 1.000 win percentage. Averaging 74.1 points per game, they have put on an offensive clinic, especially in the second half where they average an explosive 22.7 points in the fourth quarter.

Their defense has been equally impressive, limiting opponents to just 542 points over the course of the season, for an average of 45.2 points per game. Royal’s performance against common opponents further solidifies their dominance—outscoring teams like Wapato, Wahluke, Cashmere, Connell, Zillah, and Naches Valley with ease.

Kiona-Benton’s Struggles

In contrast, Kiona-Benton has found the season more challenging, with a 5-7 overall record and a 1-5 district record. Their home-court advantage has not been enough to propel them to a winning record, as they have posted just a 2-2 mark at home. Kiona-Benton has struggled offensively, averaging only 58.6 points per game, and their defense has allowed 717 points across their 12 games, yielding an average of 59.8 points per game.

The team has faced setbacks against many of the same common opponents as Royal, posting a 2-5 record in those matchups. While they have shown resilience, such as in a victory over Naches Valley, the overall performance has been inconsistent, leading to a tough district standing.

Head-to-Head Preview

The upcoming game at Kiona-Benton on January 12 will be crucial for both teams. Royal enters as the heavy favorite, bolstered by their unblemished record, while Kiona-Benton will be looking to pull off an upset and turn their season around. This will be the first of two matchups between the schools, with the return game scheduled for February 4 at Royal.

As of now, Kiona-Benton’s ability to contain Royal’s high-scoring offense will be the key to keeping the game close. Royal, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominance and further solidify their top spot in the district.

Common Opponents: A Measure of Strength

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, but Royal has proven far more successful. Out of seven games against shared opponents, Royal has emerged victorious in all seven contests. Meanwhile, Kiona-Benton has struggled, winning only two of their five matchups against the same teams.

For instance, Royal triumphed in their December 17 game against Wapato with a decisive 68-44 win, while Kiona-Benton fell to Wapato just days earlier by a score of 57-43. Royal’s 78-39 victory over Wahluke contrasts sharply with Kiona-Benton’s 68-56 loss to the same team earlier in the month. These results highlight the contrasting levels of performance between the two squads.

Looking Ahead

With both teams facing a critical stretch of games, this contest between Royal and Kiona-Benton promises to be a test of skill, strategy, and resilience. Royal’s perfect record speaks volumes about their potential, but every game counts, and Kiona-Benton will certainly be looking to capitalize on any opportunity for an upset. For now, Royal is in the driver’s seat, but the unpredictable nature of high school basketball always leaves room for surprises.

Fans can look forward to an exciting game today and the upcoming February 4 rematch at Royal. Whether Kiona-Benton can turn the tide or Royal continues their march to an undefeated season, this game will set the tone for the rest of the district competition.